Job Description of Desktop Publishers:
Desktop publishers, using computer software, format and combine text, numerical data, photographs, charts, and other visual graphic elements to produce publication-ready material. This material includes books, business cards, calendars, magazines, newsletters and newspapers, packaging, slides, and tickets.
Employment Facts for Desktop Publishers:
There were about 26,000 people employed as desktop publishers in 2008. Most worked in the printing and publishing industries. One can find desktop publishing jobs throughout the country, generally in large metropolitan cities.
Educational Requirements for Desktop Publishers:
You don't need a college degree to get a desktop publishing job, but those with either certificates or associate or bachelor's degrees are afforded the best job opportunities. Many people working in this field learn on the job, while others take classes or complete certificate programs at vocational schools, universities and colleges, or on the Internet.
Other Requirements for Desktop Publishers:
Those who want to work as desktop publishers should have:
- good communication skills;
- basic computer skills;
- a strong work ethic;
- the ability to compute ratios to estimate job costs;
- good manual dexterity;
- the ability to pay attention to detail and work independently;
- good eyesight, including visual acuity, depth perception, field of view, color vision, and the ability to focus quickly; and
- artistic ability.
Advancement Opportunities for Desktop Publishers:
Workers with limited training and experience may start as helpers receiving instruction from experienced desktop publishers. As one masters more skills, keeps up with new software and gains experience, he or she can advance to positions with greater responsibility. This can include supervisory or management positions. Some desktop publishers may start their own companies or work as independent consultants. Those who are more artistic and who have further their education may find opportunities in graphic design or commercial art.
Job Outlook for Desktop Publishers:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts there will be a rapid decline in employment of desktop publishers through 2018.
How Much Do Desktop Publishers Earn?:
Median Annual Earnings for Desktop Publishers were $36,470 (U.S., 2009).
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much desktop publishers currently earn in your city.
A Day in a Desktop Publisher's Life:
On a typical day a desktop publisher might perform some of the following duties:
- write and edit text;
- create graphics to accompany text;
- convert photographs and drawings into digital images and then manipulate those images;
- design page layouts;
- create proposals;
- develop presentations and advertising campaigns;
- typeset and do color separation;
- translate electronic information onto film or other traditional forms
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Desktop Publishers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos276.htm (visited November 11, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Desktop Publishers, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/43-9031.00 (visited November 11, 2010).
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